This is a very interesting idea! I usually have a backpack, sometimes a roller bag too, but I'm quick to get it out of the way and avoid blocking traffic. (I know, I know--not everyone is as polite and conscientious.) I do see the point several others have made though, about how boarding numbers are assigned based on status and a number of other factors (I've been A-List or A-List Preferred for years, and I like my A boarding position). What if there was an option for everyone without a carryon to board after the A group, before the B group--with family boarding and A-List who didn't get A boarding passes? This would add the least amount of potential complication to the boarding process (as people aren't too bright when it comes to boarding, in my experience, keeping the process simple makes it work more smoothly). Instead of adding a layer of complication, it would just enlarge who is eligible to board between A and B groups. I don't think adding more checked bags would slow the flights down significantly. It would be much more efficient to have people check bags at check-in than to have to gate-check them, for example.
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